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Seeding is a busy and hectic time at farms across Saskatchewan, but safety should always come first.
SaskPower is offering tips for producers to help reduce the risks when working around power lines with large equipment, and encouraged all producers to make safety a top priority.
“SaskPower observes an increase in line contacts involving farm equipment during both the seeding and harvest seasons,” the company said in a statement.
“Last year, SaskPower reported 268 farm related power line incidents.”
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Farmers should use a spotter whenever moving large equipment in the area of power lines, SaskPower advised, and should make use of collapsing or retracting equipment whenever possible. It’s also important to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, which can contribute to accidents.
Producers can also plan a route ahead of time using an interactive map on SaskPower’s website.
“We understand that spring seeding is a very busy time across Saskatchewan, and we urge farmers to work safely so they can come home safe tonight,” Nidal Dabghi, SaskPower’s director of safety, said in a satement.
“Safety should be everyone’s top priority, and we want producers to take the necessary steps to work safely this spring.”
If equipment does come into contact with a power line, SaskPower said to stay in the vehicle and call 911.
If a fire is ignited by a line contact, SaskPower said to follow the safe exit procedure by swinging the door wide open without touching the outside of the vehicle, standing in the doorway with your arms crossed and feet together and jumping as far from the vehicle as possible, landing with your feet still together. After exiting, SaskPower said to keep your arms crossed and feet together and hop at least 10 metres away from the vehicle before calling 911.